Why do we need K vitamins?
K-dependent proteins in the body need to be activated in order to function.
Vitamin K1 is known for its blood-clotting activity. Vitamin K2 also contributes to this process, but Vitamin K2 is now recognized as essential for helping the body to properly utilize calcium in order to build healthy, strong bones and to stop calcium from depositing in the arteries and blood vessels.
Vitamin K2 “makes calcium work” through its ability to activate certain K-dependent proteins already present in the body:
- Osteocalcin is the protein responsible for binding calcium ions to the matrix of bone, making bones stronger.
- Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) is the most potent modulator of arterial calcification known today, and the amount of arterial calcification is an indicator of one’s cardiovascular health.
Natural vitamin K2 as MK-7 is the essential cofactor for the enzyme γ-carboxylase which is able to carboxylate these calcium-regulating proteins making them able to form calcium-binding groups essential for their biological activity. By controlling these proteins in vascular tissue, vitamin K2 keeps calcium out of the arteries and drive it to bones.
Research has found that osteocalcin was undercarboxylated by 40% in postmenopausal women when compared with premenopausal women. Uncarboxylated matrix Gla-protein is associated with the increased vascular calcification and cardiovascular disease.
When the body has sufficient Vitamin K2, calcium is directed to where it is needed, and kept away from where it is not.
Vitamin K deficiency results in impaired bone strength and mineral density.
Calcification increases vessels’ stiffness and fragility, impeding healthy blood flow to and from the heart.
However, inadequate Vitamin K2 may result in what is known as the “Calcium Paradox.” This is where the bones receive too little calcium (leaving them weak and brittle) as excess calcium deposits in the arteries and blood vessels (making them stiff and inelastic).
Vitamin K2 is the powerful component in transporting “excess” calcium out of the arteries and blood and depositing it into our bones.
The link between Calcium, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2
While Vitamin K2 as MK-7 is essential for activating calcium-binding proteins, Vitamin D3 plays a vital Role in synthesizing these proteins and aiding with calcium absorption.
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MenaQ7 study with children
45 mcg per day of vitamin K2 was shown to support the needs of healthy bones in children
Growing Strong Bones
Childhood is the most essential period for developing and building healthy bone mass.
However, research shows children have 8 to 10 times higher levels of inactive osteocalcin, which means they are not optimally building the bone mass they require during this period.[3]
In turn, today we see an increase in low-energy fractures in children. Thankfully there is a way to mitigate this situation.
Studies show that children who have optimal levels of Vitamins K2 and D3 have fewer bone fractures than children with lower status of these two vitamins. [4,5]
MenaQ7® is the only Vitamin K2 on the market proven to benefit bone health in children.
[3] Theuwissen E et al. Food & Function. 2013;5(2):229-34
[4] Popko J et al. Nutrients. 2018 Jun 6;10(6):734.
[5] Karpiński M et al. J Am Coll Nutr. 2017 Jan;36(1):64-71
MenaQ7® study show
180 mcg per day of vitamin K2 maintain bone health in postmenopausal women
Well-Being in Times of Change
It is well recognized that women approaching and going through menopause are prone to develop weaker bones.
During this period, hormonal changes lower oestrogen levels, leading to bone loss and increased fracture risk.
Compromised bone health is estimated to affect 200 million women worldwide. Supporting bone health in women during this period of life is growing in importance, particularly as an ageing population seeks to maintain their quality of life.
The combination of Vitamins K2 and D3 is shown to have a more beneficial effect on this demographic’s bone strength than either vitamin taken alone.[5]
MenaQ7® is the only clinically proven K2 to deliver on the promise of maintaining bone health in postmenopausal women.[2]
[5] Ushiroyama T et al. Maturitas. 202 Mar 25;41(3):211-21.
[2] Knapen MHJ et al. Osteoporos Int. 2013 Sep;24(9):2499-507.
Supporting Mothers for Healthy Babies
Pregnancy is a time of extraordinary change and the WHO estimates 20-30% of pregnant women suffer from some kind of vitamin deficiency. Post-natal supplements are important for many women during this period of their lives to ensure not only their health, but their babies as well.
In particular, pregnant women are advised to increase their calcium levels to support the growing babies’ bone and teeth – and to maintain the mothers own bone mass, which is depleted during pregnancy and nursing.
Research shows that women's bone metabolic status significantly changes over the period between pregnancy and during nursing [6], and as much as 50% of newborns are K deficient. Incorporating Vitamins K2 with D3 in post-natal supplements would benefit both mother and child through their combined optimization of calcium.
[6] Miyamoto T et al. Sci Rep. 2019 May 13;9(1):6787.
MenaQ7® study show
180 mcg per day is beneficial for bone and cardiovascular health.
Do What You Love Longer!
Calcification is believed to be an inevitable and unfortunate result of aging, but studies show that arterial calcification is, in fact, an actively regulated process where Vitamins K2 and D3 play a critical role.
In 2020 the ageing population (people over the age of 65) grew to approximately 727 million. Supporting bone and heart health is vitalto ensure quality of life as we age.
A 2013 study [8] evaluating the cardiovascular effect of Vitamin K2 (MenaQ7®) plus Vitamin D or Vitamin D alone showed more beneficial results when the two nutrients were combined than when D was taken alone.
MenaQ7® is the only clinically Vitamin K2 as MK-7 proven to reduce arterial stiffness in adult populations.[9]
[8] Kurnatowska I et al. Pol Arch Med Wewn. 2015;125(9):631-40.
[9] Knapen MHJ et al. Thromb and Haemost. 2015 May;113(5):1135-44.
Active Lifestylers
The bone and joint market is still expected to be driven by aging populations, but trends like Healthy Aging and Fitter for Longer open the market for younger demographics. Since 2000, views have drastically evolved about the importance of staying active and the role bone/joint health plays in one’s ability to do so.
Bone fractures are an obvious hindrance to staying active. In fact, every 3rd woman and every 5th man over the age of 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures. It is also worth noting that young female athletes have higher fracture risks than male counterparts.
Knowing the intricate balance between Vitamins D3 and K2, and its combined benefits for bone and heart health, a product that aims to support active lifestylers should incorporate both.